Boeing Wins Navy F/A-XX Contract Worth More Than $20 Billion

The Pentagon selected Boeing to develop the U.S. Navy’s F/A-XX carrier-based fighter, awarding the company a contract valued at more than $20 billion. The award covers full-scale development and multiple test aircraft, but not the fighter’s eventual production costs or the program’s total lifetime cost. Boeing was chosen over Northrop Grumman for the Navy’s next-generation aircraft. The Pentagon said the contract includes development and testing, with work covering ground trials, airworthiness assessments, aircraft systems and weapons integration. The number of test aircraft was not specified in the reported award details. The Navy intends the F/A-XX to augment and eventually replace F/A-18E/F Super Hornets beginning in the 2030s. Some reports also identify the EA-18G Growler as an aircraft the new fighter is intended to succeed. The F/A-XX is being developed under the Navy’s Next Generation Air Dominance effort and is expected to operate alongside manned and unmanned aircraft. The contract marks the development phase, not final production authorization. The reports do not establish a delivery schedule, production plan or eventual cost for the fleet.